Costumes and twinkling lights, a stack of new-to-you books, or a fall walk with a story along the way. This Eastern Idaho weekend roundup has ideas for families in Idaho Falls, Shelley, Pocatello, Driggs, Preston, and the South Bannock communities.
The six featured activities take place Friday and Saturday, October 16–17, with a simple idea for a slower Sunday below. All times are Mountain Time. Check the linked organizer information before leaving home, especially for tickets and registration.
1. Boo at the Zoo | Idaho Falls
Give those Halloween costumes an early outing at Idaho Falls Zoo. Boo at the Zoo brings light displays, activities, and treats from community vendors, plus costume contests at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. each evening. The organizer describes it as a “merry not scary” family event.
- When: Friday and Saturday, October 16–17, 5–8:30 p.m.
- Where: Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park, 2725 Carnival Way.
- Admission: The official ticket page lists prices from $8.10. Children ages 2 and under are free, and parking is free. Check ticket options and the final total before purchasing.
View the directory listing · Official event information and tickets
2. Snake River Homestead Harvest Festival | Shelley
For a Saturday afternoon with a little local history, visit the Snake River Historical Homestead. This free community gathering focuses on Idaho’s cultural roots and sharing stories, making it an option for families who enjoy exploring the places and people behind their community.
- When: Saturday, October 17, 2–5 p.m.
- Where: Snake River Historical Homestead, 587 E. 1250 N., Shelley.
- Admission: Free. The announcement does not include a detailed activity schedule.
View the directory listing · City of Shelley event details
3. Friends of Marshall Public Library Book Sale | Pocatello
Let everyone look for something they would like to read, then save the books for a cozy afternoon at home. The Friends of Marshall Public Library sale offers books for a variety of reading ages, with proceeds supporting library projects and programs.
- When: Friday, October 16, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday, October 17, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Where: Marshall Public Library, 113 S. Garfield Avenue, Pocatello.
- Cost: Free admission. Most hardcovers are $2 and most softcovers are $1, with some books as low as 25 cents. Specialty items are priced separately.
View the directory listing · Official chamber announcement
4. October Book Walks | South Bannock Communities
Turn a Friday walk into story time. South Bannock Library District’s October book walks let families follow a story outdoors at their own pace, with locations in Inkom, McCammon, Downey, Arimo, and Lava Hot Springs. Afterward, the library invites participants to stop in for a prize.
- When: Friday, October 16, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Where: Follow the location flyer for the town you choose.
- Good to know: The announcement does not state a fee or registration requirement. Friday library hours are 11 a.m.–5 p.m., so plan prize pickup within that window.
Bring a jacket and let the kids set the reading pace. This could be a short outing on its own or a way to add something different to a familiar walk.
Choose a location and see the library’s book-walk flyers · Check library hours
5. Cooking at the Makerspace | Driggs
Kids and teens can practice cooking skills, explore ingredients, and share a homemade lunch at Valley of the Tetons Library’s Makerspace. This one takes a little planning because space is limited.
- When: Friday, October 16, 10 a.m.–noon.
- Where: Valley of the Tetons Library Makerspace, 77 N. Main Street, Driggs.
- Cost and registration: Free library program. Email makerspace@votlib.org on Thursday, October 15, to sign up, as requested by the organizer. Ask about available spaces and any age or supervision requirements when registering.
View the directory listing · Official session and sign-up instructions
6. LEGO Club | Preston
For kids who would happily spend an hour building, Larsen-Sant Public Library’s LEGO Club offers a Friday morning stop. The program welcomes ages 5 and older.
- When: Friday, October 16, 11 a.m.–noon.
- Where: Larsen-Sant Public Library, 109 S. 1st East, Preston.
- Good to know: The program page does not list a fee or advance-registration requirement. Call 208-852-0175 with participation questions.
View the directory listing · Library program details · Official calendar
A slower Sunday idea
If Sunday needs a little breathing room, keep it simple. Take a short neighborhood walk and see how many fall colors everyone can spot, then settle in with a book or make something together in the kitchen. A family weekend does not have to be packed to be worth remembering.
For more outings, browse the Idaho Family Fun Community Calendar and Family Fun Places.
Event information reviewed October 14, 2026. Times, prices, and availability may change. Cover artwork is an original AI-generated illustration for Idaho Family Fun and does not depict the actual events or venues.